The Department of Social Welfare and Development recently presented awards to the city of Iligan and the municipalities of Balo-i, Pantao Ragat, Pantar, Linamon, Bacolod, and the province of Lanao del Norte as the agency’s commendation for their help given to the DSWD in delivering its social protection services.

It can be recalled that the said Northern Mindanao city and municipalities welcomed and hosted internally displaced persons who evacuated from Marawi City which became a battleground between the Philippine government security forces and militants, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups last May 23, 2017.

The host local government units assisted the DSWD in ensuring relief and early recovery of over 55,000 family evacuees temporarily seeking shelter and food in Northern Mindanao during the onset of the battle in Marawi.

Meanwhile, the DSWD also presented the Gawad Good Governance Initiative Award to the local government unit of Ozamiz City which was commended for conceptualizing and implementing the “Pantawid Kolehiyo Program,” which provides scholarship grants to one student per Pantawid Pamilya family beneficiary residing in the city.

The DSWD presented these awards during its 67th Anniversary Awarding Rites last March 8, 2018 in Quezon City. The anniversary celebration was commenced with this year’s theme as “Walang Puwang sa Katiwalian ang Paglilingkod nang Tapat sa Bayan.”

The DSWD actively coordinates and provides technical assistance to the local government units in responding to the needs and welfare of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities through delivery of social protection programs and services. ###

Written by Charmaine P. Tadlas, DSWD